Glacier Archaeology Programme – Secrets of the Ice
Secrets of the Ice is a groundbreaking research and outreach programme in Norway’s Innlandet County, documenting over 4,500 artefacts – half of the world’s glacial archaeological findings. By uniting scientific innovation, methodology, education, and public engagement, it highlights the urgent impact of climate change in high-altitude archaeology.
The Glacier Archaeology Programme, known as Secrets of the Ice, has pioneered glacial archaeology in Innlandet County, Norway, since 2006. As climate change accelerates the retreat of mountain ice, the programme has documented over 4,500 artefacts from more than 70 sites – accounting for over half of all glacial archaeological findings worldwide. These discoveries, ranging from 6,000-year-old hunting gear to rare prehistoric clothing and the world’s best-preserved ancient skis, have transformed our understanding of human activity in Europe’s high mountains.
The programme began after a local mountain walker discovered a well-preserved object emerging from the melting ice – an event that signalled the urgent need for systematic monitoring and illustrated the vital role of local communities in identifying new sites.
This internationally recognised initiative is led by the Innlandet County Municipality in partnership with the Museum of Cultural History at the University of Oslo and the Norwegian Mountain Museum in Lom. Climate Park 2469, developed with these partners, serves as a unique arena for outdoor learning and public engagement.
The Glacier Archaeology Programme is built on three main pillars: scientific research, outreach and education, alongside collection management and exhibition. The total programme budget exceeds €5.5 million, provided by a combination of public and private partners.
Fieldwork is shaped by a multidisciplinary methodology that combines remote sensing, satellite imagery, drone surveys, and high-precision GPS mapping with traditional archaeological techniques and the expertise of local teams. Each summer, research teams work within a short seasonal window, applying a strict environmental stewardship policy to ensure minimal impact. All artefacts are catalogued, conserved, and made accessible for research and public display. The collection is curated at the Museum of Cultural History in Oslo.
Secrets of the Ice has made significant scientific contributions, with 15 peer-reviewed papers and the development of internationally adopted methodologies for high-altitude archaeology. The project has fostered a broad international network.
Public outreach is an integral part of the programme. Digital platforms, active social media engagement, and considerablesubstantial coverage by international news media, such as the BBC and CNN, have ensured global interest. Physical outreach includes award-winning exhibitions at the Norwegian Mountain Museum, immersive virtual reality resources for schools, and outdoor education at Climate Park 2469, which welcomed 4,000 pupils in 2024 alone.
With funding secured until at least 2027, Secrets of the Ice will continue to advance scientific research, environmental stewardship, and public education in glacial archaeology.
“Secrets of the Ice is a pioneering example of how heritage research can respond to the effects of global warming, with a methodology that has international relevance for high-altitude and Nordic regions,” the Awards’ Jury said. “The programme’s strong scientific output, its multidisciplinary approach, and the active engagement of young researchers are highly commendable,” the Jury added.
Contact: Espen Finstad | Innlandet County Municipality | espfin@innlandetfylke.no | www.secretsoftheice.com